Hi, I'm in need of some help.
I've just flown back from LHR-SIN-MEL. Dept 11th Feb, arr. 13th Feb. on Singapore Airlines.
(It was a return trip, i flew Singapore Airlines 6th Jan MEL-SIN-ZRH)

At LHR i checked in my luggage, including a box clearly marked 'Fragile', which did not go on the normal conveyer, but it was placed with the oversize/fragile items. I was asked what the item was, and i said a wooden cutlery display box, which is a wedding present for my sister, and i said the cutlery is in my main suitcase. I asked if the box would be safe, and he said being marked fragile, it will be handled seperate to normal luggage and will have a different collection point at Melbourne Airport, there is no need to worry about it, and said i'd be better checking it in, rather than taking as hand luggage.

I arrived at Melbourne and noticed all fragile items were on the normal conveyer and I was not the only one who was disappointed and others noticed damage upon collecting their items.

I collected my suitcase and my fragile item, cleared customes and returned home.

Once i'd had some sleep, i opened my suitcase and everything was fine there, but when i opened the fragile item, it appears it has been dropped and there is a dent on one of the edges, as it is on the front of the box and quite substantial in size, i can no longer give this as a wedding present, and require a replacement.

I have had a look on the cutlery companies website and the box will cost about 150-200 pounds to replace, plus postage to australia. I have sent them an email to get the exact price and shipping cost, also asking if there is anywhere in Australia that stocks this brand, to reduce the cost to the airline.

What do you advise I do? Am I covered by the Montreal or Warsaw conventions? do i contact the singapore airlines office in Melbourne, or in Singapore? Do i need the replacement cost (including shipping) in my initial correspondence, or can i follow-up with a second letter once the company respond?

Please help, i've spent a lot on my sisters present and now i'm very upset, wishing i'd not checked-in the item, but lugged it around with me as hand luggage (although i know your only meant to have 1 item, the gentleman said i could take it with me if i can carry it without difficulty, but he advised checking it in).